WasThe Honeymoon Over So Soon?

Well, Grolly survived the first separation of any length since out melding in late July. Polly went to Oregon and Washington to experience fall, and Gram held down the fort and entertained some guests. Polly, Phillip and Abby set off on Oct. 14 for the Mena home. After a little skidding on I-5 right past the Oregon border, they arrived under cover of darkness.

Here the car, Dusty, is held securely in place on the runaway truck ramp after hitting black ice. If you're ever in Ashlan, we highly recommend Allstar 24-Hour Towing.

The next morning the Pacific Northwest came through, putting on a brilliant display of color. I think it was one of the best falls I've seen there, and I got to enjoy it fully -- including a trip down the Columbia on a paddle-wheel steamer.

Meanwhile, back on the ranch, Gram was entertaining Gale. When Gale needed to return to Sonora, Gram hosted Beth and the Boys on their Valley Tour. It was workie-time on Rocky Hill, with Gram much appreciative of all Tina, George, Gale and Beth were able to accomplish to make her life more comfortable.

Polly got back on the 27th of October, and the next post may feature the spring-like look that had taken over in Porterville in her absence.

It's so good to see family and friends. The time always passes too quickly, but we take away memories and renewed confidence and energy. Thank you to everyone for standing by us both.

Workey Days

It was another hot dry weekend in Porterville -- perfect conditions for some heavy outdoor work, or for sitting on the stoop moving the jawbone.

Sunday George and Tina were up at Grams early in the morning to do some much needed work on trees and bushes.

Monday Phillip came for a general work day, mostly helping Polly move her overflow into a rented storage building. Neighbor Jim Day brought his red truck and helpful nature, too. We got a lot done, and it was nice to see all our neighbors and kin!

Thursday doings

Hey Everyone! Polly's move is complete, but she's still disorganized. We've been wanting to get going with blogging now that high-speed internet has been activated. Instead of doing a re-cap of the last two months, we're just going to jump right in with a post about yesterday like we'd been blogging all along.

On Thursday, 9/17, Gram got a nice note from granddaughter Natalie with a very appropriate Bible verse: From Joshua 1:9

"I command you; be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

Aging takes a lot of courage, you betcha!

We also had a visit from Gale on her way to Santa Maria to see Allison and Cari and their families. Cari had come to move the dollhouse Gram built in 1981 on August 23. This is a photo of her and daughter Cailly lifting it from its base. Great to see you Gale and to catch up on your news.

Gram and Polly went to the monthly meeting of the United Methodist Women at Gram's church. It was a small group -- less than 15 people. Big talk about the upcoming bazaar. We'll be baking four pies! When we can, we go visit a group of women working on bazaar crafts on Wednesday mornings.

We sat next to Gram's friend Luellen White, and she gave us some great advice about eating to manage Gram's hypoglycemia. Also, from the internet, we got some information about how sodium helps sustain sugar levels and a fiber supplement may be helpful. They encouraged trying to identify specific foods that seem to trigger hypoglycemic episodes. This is an interesting way to look at what eating might be problematic in general. We've been talking this morning about when Gram consistently has episodes: late afternoon/early evening. I can focus now on what we can do better in the afternoon. Do you have any good tips for managing blood sugar?

More Sept. 5, 2009

Taking a rest at sitting rock.

Sept 5, 2009

At the start of the ascent.

Gram P on Rocky Hill

Saturday, Sept 5, Gram suggested we hike up to Grampa Powell's memorial stone. As you can see, we made it. It was a steep climb, and there were times I wondered if we had both lost our marbles to attempt such a thing, but we enjoyed the view and remembered the first time we came to Rocky Hill. Gram fell in love with it immediately and knew that someday she would live in the stucco shooting range on this rugged hill.

Polly's D'Parture Party

When Polly told TK & Bill she was moving to Porterville, they offered to host a farewell party. The date was set for July 18th, Polly got together a list of friends, and it was Party On!

It was a beautiful, warm day in Sherwood, and the festivities spread outside. There was food, drink and conversation. Here Sam Caruso discovers the magic folding bench/picnic table combination and demonstrates its functionality to Elinore Howe, Dr. Sarah, Ron, and Cathy Nuno.

Meanwhile, back in the house, Heather Graziano signs the much-acclaimed master work "Polly: The Portland Years," a book in pictures and prose, by TK & Bill. Adam holds Olivia back from the buffet table with Vanessa's encouragement. And Doug and Beverly scout the scene for their directorial debut in a cinematic short featuring Polly's rear.

In the living room, Cathy Howe and Sam Caruso help Patt Watson pick a miniature painting to take home as her party favor. Polly and Abby hold court; Heather joins her Goldy in wishing Abby all the best in her new adventure.

Later Abby says goodbye to Sarah.
Gross, huh? Although parting is sad, Polly and Sarah focus on all the wonderful times they've shared, and as they share a farewell hug...is that -- yes, I believe Sarah's tail is actually wagging!

I have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and encouragement. Thank you, thank you to everyone who was able to come to my party. If you couldn't make it, I know you were there in spirit.

Over the last twelve years I've come to love the Pacific Northwest: the four seasons, the drama of the coastline, the comforting presence of Mt. Hood, the weirdness of Portland, the sudden crystalline sun break, the sting of cold mist on my cheek, and maybe most of all the curiously courteous drivers. But my greatest gift have been the friends, old and new, I have gathered here.

As I set off on my next adventure I will miss you all and think of you often. The difficulty of leaving Oregon will make imperative that I succeed in all my new endeavors. I'm excited about spending precious time with my mother, reconnecting with family, painting a lot, and introducing Abby to the Hollywood lifestyle of California. Help me keep in touch. I'll see you on my visits back to my adopted home.